AMC announced today, from the Television Critics Association press tour in Pasadena, California, premiere dates for new and returning original series in Q1 and Q2 2012, including the critically acclaimed dramas “Mad Men,” “The Killing” and “The Walking Dead,” as well as its unscripted series “Talking Dead” and “Comic Book Men.”

The complete press release is included after the jump.

AMC ANNOUNCES Q1 & Q2 2012 PREMIERE DATES FOR NEW AND RETURNING ORIGINAL SERIES

“Mad Men” Season 5 Debuts with Two-Hour Premiere on Sunday, March 25

“The Killing” Returns with Two-Hour Premiere on Sunday, April 1

Unscripted Series “Comic Book Men,” New Episodes of “The Walking Dead,” Along with Return of Live After Show “Talking Dead,” Debut February 12

Pasadena, CA – January 14, 2012 – AMC announced today, from the Television Critics Association press tour in Pasadena, California, premiere dates for new and returning original series in Q1 and Q2 2012, including the critically acclaimed dramas “Mad Men,” “The Killing” and “The Walking Dead,” as well as its unscripted series “Talking Dead” and “Comic Book Men.”

Following are additional details on AMC’s early 2012 premieres:

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12

The critically acclaimed second season of “The Walking Dead” returns at 9pm ET/PT with the new episode, “Nebraska.” February 12 also marks the return of AMC’s live after show, “Talking Dead,” at midnight ET.

Also, for the first time, “The Walking Dead” fans can participate in a live, interactive experience online while watching new season two episodes on AMC. “The Walking Dead” StorySync on amctv.com invites viewers to vote in polls, answer trivia questions and relive tense moments via video clips – all timed to coincide with the premiere broadcast of the series’ latest episode. Think Shane should have stayed away from the barn? Vote in StorySync’s “Judgment” poll and see if fellow fans agree. See a particularly gruesome walker kill? Rank it on the “Gore Gauge.” And, as always, a live “Watch & Chat” for each episode lets visitors join the ongoing commentary fueled by fellow rabid fans. (StorySync is optimized for both Internet browsers and tablet devices.)

“The Walking Dead” season two continues to deliver the strongest telecasts for any drama in basic cable history against Adults 18-49. The series’ international premieres delivered equally impressive results in all major international TV markets, and broke pay-TV ratings’ records across the world. The series is led by a cast that includes Andrew Lincoln, Jon Bernthal, Sarah Wayne Callies, Laurie Holden, Jeffrey DeMunn, Steven Yeun, Chandler Riggs and Norman Reedus.

Immediately following “The Walking Dead” is the premiere of AMC’s newest unscripted series, “Comic Book Men,” at 10pm ET/PT. Executive produced by Kevin Smith (Clerks, Chasing Amy), Charlie Corwin’s Original Media (“LA Ink,” “Storm Chasers”) and Elyse Seiden (Red State), the series (formerly titled “Secret Stash”) is set in Smith’s iconic comic shop Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash, and captures the world of the neighborhood comic book store and fanboy culture. The season consists of 6 one-hour episodes.

SUNDAY, MARCH 25

As one of the most highly anticipated season premieres of the year, the Emmy® and Golden Globe® Award-winning drama “Mad Men” is back with a two-hour season 5 premiere on Sunday, March 25 at 9pm ET/PT. Written by Matthew Weiner and directed by Jennifer Getzinger, the season premiere episode will also be available on amctv.com the Monday after air.

Following the premiere, on Sunday, April 1, “Mad Men” will return to its regular timeslot at 10pm ET/PT with an episode written by Erin Levy and Matthew Weiner and directed by Jon Hamm.

Fans looking to catch up on “Mad Men” can watch the fourth season On Demand, beginning Monday, January 23, or set their DVR every Sunday morning at 6:00am ET/PT when AMC continues to air episodes from seasons one through four (in order) leading up to the season five premiere.

Created by Emmy® and Golden Globe® winner Matthew Weiner and produced by Lionsgate, “Mad Men” made history last September as the first basic cable series ever to win the Emmy® for Outstanding Drama Series in four consecutive years. “Mad Men” stars Golden Globe® winner Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, January Jones, John Slattery, Christina Hendricks, Jared Harris and Kiernan Shipka.

SUNDAY, APRIL 1

AMC’s hit series “The Killing” returns for its second season with a two-hour premiere on Sunday, April 1 at 8pm ET/PT. Following the premiere, on Sunday, April 8, “The Killing” is back to its regular timeslot at 9pm ET/PT.

For those looking to catch up on the series, all 13 episodes from the Emmy® nominated first season will be available On Demand beginning Monday, March 5.

Based on the Danish television series “Forbrydelson,” “The Killing” follows the police investigation of a young girl’s murder in Seattle and the hunt for her killer. Written and executive produced by Veena Sud, “The Killing” stars Mireille Enos, who garnered Emmy® and Golden Globe® Best Actress nominations for her portrayal of detective Sarah Linden, Joel Kinnaman, Billy Campbell, Michelle Forbes and Brent Sexton.